You and your doctor. Does being assertive ever come across as being combative?

Recently, one of my clients had a bad experience at her doctor’s office. She waited well over an hour. She felt the doctor was dismissive when she brought up a symptom she was experiencing. And when she reviewed the charges to the insurance company, she questioned one of her doctor’s charges.

She decided to let him know exactly how she felt about the way things had gone.

And guess what happened? He fired her as a patient.

I think that few people would disagree with the current thinking that patients benefit from taking responsibility for their own healthcare. Even doctors agree. Among other things, taking more responsibility means making the best use of the time you have with your doctor. Doing your own research on your condition and its treatment so you can ask your doctor questions. Keeping all of your doctors in the loop on medications. Making sure you stay on top of test results.

Communication with your doctor is an important part of getting the best possible care.

A question: Are there are times when the best approach is the direct approach? And are there times when it’s best to let something go?

Is it ever advisable to take a step back and consider your perspective before you act? In other words, is your frustration or anger at your doctor based on an ideal world and the real world in the current healthcare environment?

Do you feel like you have to “manage” the relationship with your doctor? What you say but also how you say it?

Or do you feel like you can speak freely and openly at all times?

I’m really interested to know your thoughts and experiences on this topic!